Why Serena Williams’ latest collaboration with Nike is fit for a queen

Serena Williams’ fashion sense on the tennis court goes unrivalled. From her Black Panther-style ‘catsuit’ at the French Open to her tutu-style white skirts at Wimbledon, she knows how to bring some serious style to the sport.

Now, the tennis star has (once again) teamed up with Nike and Virgil Abloh (who is also the artistic director of Louis Vuitton menswear) on a new sportswear range.

Enter: The Queen Collection (fitting name, right?).

In keeping with Williams’ love for dance, the range features tutu-style skirts and one-shoulder Lycra pieces – all ranging from $130 (£100) to $900 (£700).

“With Serena, we have one of our generation’s most powerful, inspiring athletes as the muse,” says Abloh. “I was trying to embody her spirit and bring something compelling and fresh to tennis.”

Abloh continued: “What I love about tennis is the gracefulness. It’s an aggressive and powerful game, but it takes touch and finesse.”

Abloh was keen to strike a creative balance between a feminine aesthetic and a strong statement.

“So the dress is feminine, but combines her aggression. It’s partially revealing. It’s asymmetrical. It has a sort of ballerina-esque silhouette to symbolise her grace,” says Abloh. “It’s not about bells and whistles and tricks. It’s just about it living on the body, and expressing Serena’s spirit with each swing of the racket.”

Williams, who has been an ambassador for the brand since 2003, has never worn all-white trainers but instead has always opted for colourful designs – like the options in the new collection.